More "Guru" Trouble in BV Narayan Maharaja camp

This is a post to the sanga at large.  It does not represent the opinion or decisions of all the sannyasis and senior devotees within our sanga.  These can only be resolved at times when we all meet together as a full group.  These official meetings are meant to take place twice a year in Vrindavana and Navadwipa.  Recent events have compelled a number of us to take action outside of this normal format.  We pray that the sanga at large sees the seriousness of the situation and acknowledges and understands our decision.

As most devotees know by now, after Vraja Parikrama 2012, the sannyasa board whose membership is BV Madhava Maharaja, BV Vana Maharaja, BV Sridhara Maharaja, BV Tirtha Maharaja, BV Padmanabha Maharaja, BV Nemi Maharaja, BV Suddhadvaiti Maharaja and BV Vaikhanas Maharaja; resolved by 3/4 majority (6 yes, 1 abstain, 1 no) to impose sanctions on BV Tirtha Maharaja in order to correct his documented misbehavior with ladies.  It was agreed that in order to rectify his character, that he should refrain from giving initiations, not travel outside of India, and not take a prominent role in the parikramas in Vrindavana and Navadwipa.  These actions would demonstrate a proper mood of remorse as well as respect for the sannyasa ashram, his role of initiating guru, the instructions Srila Gurudeva gave regarding becoming a guru, and the sensitivities of the devotee community. This period of rectification is to extend for 5 years, with an annual review taken up by the sannyasis. 

Initially, BV Tirtha Maharaja agreed to whatever restrictions the senior devotees requested of him and he wrote two letters of apology to devotees whose trust and faith he violated.  Unfortunately he is now refusing to go along with the restrictions and is criticizing the sannyasis who recommended these guidelines.  A letter was sent by BV Tirtha Maharaja to the sannyasis.  The letter contained his own version of recent events and was highly critical of his sannyasa godbrothers and those that wanted him to correct his behavior.  It would not be appropriate at this time to print the letter.  To read such words of criticism is painful and creates long term impressions.  It is possible that BV Tirtha Maharaja may regret writing such words, so it is best that they not be indelibly placed within our hearts.  However, we are prepared to print it at anytime if it becomes necessary.

Unfortunately, at the end of the letter BV Tirtha Maharaja states that he will participate fully in the upcoming Navadwipa parikrama and will not adhere to any restrictions.  He further states that if anyone wants to take initiation from him that he will give it freely.   It is sad that he has changed his mind. Being a guru and taking disciples is a very serious matter and has grave consequences for both the guru and the disciple if done improperly by unqualified persons.

BV Tirtha Maharaja is the president of the trust, IGVT which controls the property at Navadwipa. He states that the other board members support his position, thus rejecting the recommendations of the sannyasa council.  He states that if anyone objects, then they can go somewhere else for observing the parikrama.

Many devotees are disturbed by this attitude and feel that it threatens the integrity and unity of Srila Gurudeva’s mission and sanga.  We cannot support BV Tirtha in his desire to continue initiating devotees.  Srila Gurudeva gave the sannayasa council the responsibility and authority on behalf of the sanga to remove someone’s right to initiate while representing our sanga.  Nevertheless, any individual may do as he or she likes in their own capacity.  If the members of the IGVT decide collectively that they support BV Tirtha Maharaja in his behavior, they are free to do so.  They can then explain to the sanga why they support someone being a guru who behaves in highly inappropriate ways with ladies.

Our conscience will not allow us to give tacit approval to this behavior by attending this 2013 parikrama in Navadwipa Dham.  Therefore, the undersigned devotees will not be attending the Navadwipa Parikrama organized by the IGVT and held at Srila Gurudeva’s math.  This is a cause of sadness for us, but we must stand for spiritual principles and cannot sacrifice them for mundane popularity and money.

As Srila Gurudeva did in 2004, we will gather in Sri Vrindavana Dhama and hold our parikrama at Govardhana.  Sri Govardhana is also Koladwipa where Srila Gurudeva’s math is.  We intend to visit various pastimes places in Vraja, which are non-different from Sri Navadwipa Dhama.  

2004 was the time that Srila Gurudeva distanced himself from the Gaudiya Vedanta Samiti that he had served within for 60 years.  He was not concerned with properties and buildings.  He defined his Gurudeva’s mission by spiritual standards and principles that cannot be compromised for material considerations.  Thus he continued his Guru’s mission and was more successful than ever.  We pray that we may have the same clarity of vision and fixed commitment to Srila Gurudeva’s mission.

The spiritual ideals and values upon which Srila Gurudeva founded the International Pure Bhakti Yoga Society are the bedrock of our sanga.  They define who we are and what we stand for.  We wish to spend some time in Govardhana discussing these principles and determining how we can move forward in a united way with Srila Gurudeva’s IPBYS.

The signatures are from devotees who will be in Vraja for parikrama.  Other sannyasis (Nemi Maharaja, Bhagavat Maharaja) have opted to remain in their preaching fields and honor Sri Gaura Purnima with the local devotee communities they serve. Other senior devotees who agree with our statements have already committed to going to Navadwipa Parikrama.  Their being there does not mean that they support Tirtha Maharaja’s position.

For those who are interested in going to Govardhana for Gaura Purnima, you may contact Vrinda didi (vrindadidi@gmail.com) or Akhilesh prabhu (akhileshda@yahoo.com) about arrangements and accommodations.

 Signed by,

BV Padmanabha Maharaja

BV Sajjan Maharaja

BV Sadhu Maharaja

BV Tridandi Maharaja

BV Vaikhanas Maharaja

Brajanath Das

Yasodananda Das

Vrinda Didi

Akhilesh Prabhu